A/N Hello there. This is my new story and I haven't written anything in ages so I hope I'm not too out of practice! It's a multi chapter Dramonie 8th year fic that will then continue after they finish Hogwarts.

Disclaimer: I don't own an thing. The wonderful world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling.

September 1st 1998

"Take care dear, have a good term" said Mrs Weasley as she kissed me goodbye. I was at platform 9 3/4 getting ready to board the Hogwarts express to begin my last year and to complete my NEWTS. " I will Mrs Weasley, I replied."

Harry and Ron,who came to see Ginny and me off—but were not returning to Hogwarts to finish their studies as The Ministry of Magic allowed the students who fought in the final battle to become Aurors without having to get their NEWTS so both boys took full advantage of the offer (Surprise! surprise!) and were to begin their training shortly. My boys. I would miss them so. With final good-byes to everyone, we boarded the train along with Luna and Neville who also opted to return.

We all went to find a compartment together and along the way we spotted others in our year who also chose to return and finish 7th year. Among them were the friendly faces of Seamus Finnigan,Dean Thomas, Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbott,the Patil twins and many more. Surprisingly, there was also one face that I really did not expect to see—but there he was—Draco Malfoy—and looking utterly forlorn at that. Not that I could blame him of course. The war had left its mark on all of us. Sighing, I turned away from Draco and continued the search for a compartment. Finding one Neville,Luna,Ginny and I settled ourselves in.

While the other three engaged in quiet conversation, I sat pondering and absentmindedly petting Crookshanks. What would it be like to go through an entire school year without Harry and Ron by my side—copying my notes and home-work, prattling on and on about Quidditch and annoying me to death. In other words, who's going to make me happy keep me occupied besides my studies? I'm sure I will have a lovely time wit Ginny and the others but it just won' be the same. Maybe I shouldn't have refused Professor McGonagall's offer to be Head Girl this year. No, it was the right decision. This year is about relaxing—no incessant worrying about Voldemort or anything else for that matter. It wouldn't be fair anyway, it's not like I'm an actual 7th year student. The position rightfully belongs to one of the real 7th years. I had missed my chance, Voldemort and his horcruxes had seen to that. A sudden flash of pain overcame me when I thought of everything that I lost within the past year.

Snapping out of my reverie, I turned my head towards Ginny who was calling out my name.

"What is it Ginny?" I ask. "Where were you off to just now?" I've been talking to you for the past minute." "Sorry, Gin. Guess I was just lost in my thoughts."

"I see. We were wondering if you feel alright, you seem down." "I'm fine guys but yes, I suppose I am a bit scared."

"It's just so hard you know, going back to Hogwarts I mean." I really though that I was ready to face it all when I decided to come back but now I'm not so sure anymore." "How am I going to handle everything when all of it is staring me right in the face? So much happened there. I will see reminders of everything we lost everywhere ." I choked out, blinking back tears.

"Oh Hermione, Ginny said softly as she embraced me. I know it's hard and I'm sure all of us have similar feelings but we will get through it together."

"Ginny's right," piped up Neville as he put his hand on m shoulder in a comforting gesture. "We're here for you Hermione." Added Luna as she too put her hand on my other shoulder.

Feeling some of the fear inside of me subside at their kind works I shot them a small smile.

"Thank you guys. You're all such good friends and I'm so lucky to have you." "Just so you know, I'm here for all of you too, you can com to me if you ever need help with anything or just to talk."

"Thanks, Hermione." They chorused and beamed at me.

After our emotional exchange we all sat back in companionable silence and before I knew it the train was nearing Hogwarts.

We all went to get changed and then exited our compartment and joined the crowd of students leaving the train.

"First years over here!" I hear the familiar voice of Hagrid calling out to the new students. My heart swelled a bit at seeming him.

He spotted me and the others and we all rushed over to greet him. After each receiving his customary bone-crushing hugs and equerries about Harry and Ron we left him and proceeded towards one of the thestral drawn carriages bound for the school. They were no longer invisible to my eyes anymore—just another reminder of all the death I had seen recently. I wasn't the only one, many of the students were pointing and looking scared and excited by the skeletal appearance of the great winged horse.

While my panic at returning had ebbed away somewhat after being reassured by Ginny and the others, it was coming back with a vengeance the closer we got to the castle. Before I even had time to attempt to compose my self I got out of the carriage and was following the other students across the grounds and into the entrance hall. I began to tremble slightly and Ginny gripped my hand and I returned the pressure, needing to feel some sort of physical contact before I entered the Great Hall and faced my demons. Here I go.